"AFTER MIDNIGHT were founded in 1985 -
and in guitar-vocalist Mike Hall, they have a front man who not only looks like
Eric, but sings and plays to the Clapton standard too."
- Tony Jones, Newcastle Journal

"AFTER MIDNIGHT, featuring
Slowhand Impersonator Supreme, Mike Hall, were formed 33 years ago, long before
tribute bands were thought of as an integral part of the scene."
- Peter Hepple, The Stage

"Quite apart from his appearance, Mike
Hall has been an ardent fan of Clapton since first seeing him playing with
Cream at Newcastle's Club A' Gogo in 1966."
- Mike Jamieson, Newcastle Evening Chronicle

"AFTER MIDNIGHT have become
something of a rock institution around the North East scene. Not only is
Clapton the major influence on the group, Mike Hall has an uncanny resemblance
to the great man. In fact, he looks more like Clapton than Clapton does in
recent times! And as a guitarist, Mike too is outstanding. He is backed by
superb musicians."
- Mark Iveson, Leisure Magazine

"I went to
see Classic Clapton at Irvine Magnum Theatre years ago and had a better
night there than I did at the SECC watching Slowhand himself. Well worth going
to see them. Great show and they play all the hits."
- Stephen Warwick, North Ayrshire

After Midnight leaves crowd hoarse yet happy

Hexham Queens Hall - Friday 21
November 2014

Peter Lewis (Hexham Courant)

In May next
year Eric Clapton will celebrate his 70th birthday by playing five nights at
the Albert Hall. Arty posters by Peter Blake no less; real five star cultural
excitement!

In the course of a long career with the Yardbirds,
Bluesbreakers, Cream, Blind Faith, Derek and the Dominoes and latter solo work,
Clapton has played the London venue more than 200 times. Little wonder that he
has described the place as his front room. His life, punctuated by personal
crises, is encrusted with awards and praise for the quality of playing.....is he
the greatest guitarist of all time? Discuss!

His greatest fans, the true aficionados, are in
no doubt and at the forefront of that admiration is the tribute band After
Midnight, founded and led by Mike Hall nearly 30 years ago. They will be
celebrating that auspicious anniversary at the Sage Gateshead in December 2015.

There have been few changes of personnel over the
decades, a tribute to Halls shrewd management and their own excellence. The
unique selling point of the group has, however, always been Halls physical
resemblance to his idol; he looks more like the popular image of Clapton than
Clapton himself. And he too plays well in the style of the maestro without any
sickening attempt at impersonation.

Every few years After Midnight visit the Queens
Hall. The gigs sell out mainly because the band bring their own faithful
audience of friends and acquaintances. The evening is thus full of requests and
dedications. The atmosphere is more akin to a revival meeting than a gig and is
none the worse for that.

I note that the last time the Courant covered a
After Midnight gig, the review was highly favourable and full of technical
praise. Pleased with my past expertise, I only belatedly noted that it had been
written by my younger son, Jamie Lewis, himself an accomplished guitarist.

He would have been pleased to note that the
musicianship of Mike Hall, Paul Warren on keyboards, bass guitarist Dave Robson
and drummer Danny Davison, if anything has sharpened over the years. All too
often tribute bands seem bored by the repetition but this group exuded energy
and joy throughout the evening.

The audience were knowledgeable and eager to join
in and we all went home hoarse and happy.

Peter Lewis (Hexham Courant)

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CLASSIC CLAPTON

Pickaquoy Centre Orkney - Saturday 28th
April 2012

Leah Seator (The Orcadian)

Photos by Tom O'Brien

CLASSIC CLAPTON

performed by After
Midnight

Diss Corn Hall, Norfolk -
Friday 8th March 2013

David Vass

The very personable Mike Hall, as he is happy to acknowledge, looks a
bit like Clapton, and he certainly plays like him, but with his broad Geordie
accent, and daft anecdotes and very un-Clapton like sing-alongs, no-one could
be under the illusion he was trying to be Clapton. Far from being a tribute
act, a term coined long after Mike starting touring with After Midnight (a mind
boggling twenty seven years ago), this is more like a celebration, and one the
capacity audience at the Corn Hall was happy to join in with.

The
evening, if anything, was more like a primer, as if being readied for a Clapton
exam. We were taken through the songs of the Yardbirds, Cream, Blind Faith, and
Derek and the Dominos, but were also given a taste of George Harrison, and
Robert Johnson, and even a touching homage to Alvin Lee, the recently departed
guitarist of Ten Years After. It's worth remembering that while Mike Hall is
adjusting his style to suit the decade, Dave Robson is having to play bass like
Jack Bruce, and then like Carl Radle, while Danny Davison has to play like Jims
McCarty and Gordon, and then bash out the mighty fills of Ginger Baker. Marry
that up with the lovely whooshing Hammond sounds provided by Paul Warren on
keyboards and you have an extraordinary talent on stage, that anyone who
appreciates good musicianship, can enjoy.

A week
later, and I'm still humming White Room and Layla. They really woke me up to how
many good tunes the man has. I thought the show was great, because Mike wasn't
really impersonating Clapton, he was just enjoying his music with us.
If you think your knowledge of the Clapton canon extends only as far as the
hits, Mikes band will remind you how many good tunes the man has, and how many
you know.
And even if you dont recognise a single tune, just sit back and enjoy the
musicianship.

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CLASSIC CLAPTON

performed by After
Midnight

Penicuik Town Hall - Saturday 10th September
2011

Craig Hodge (Penicuik What's On)

There have been a lot of decent Tribute acts who have played Penicuik
Town Hall. We've even had a few who looked like the act they were proposing to
sound like. We've had a couple who sounded a bit like the act. Last night we
were blessed with both. I don't think I'd be out of hand by saying that last
night After Midnight was one of the most professional acts I've ever seen at
the Town Hall.

I don't
know about you, but when guitarists strum their guitars in between songs etc. I
find it really annoying, it's like boy racers revving their cars for no reason.
None of that last night. You got an introduction by Mike (Eric Clapton look
& sound alike) on what part of Eric Clapton's extremely influential &
varied career it came from. Then the song was executed, & personally I
thought brilliantly every time.

I asked my friends what they thought. They were of the same opinion
as myself & I think 99% of the hall was too. After Midnight was one of,
the best Tributes to have played Penicuik Town Hall in many a year.

I would personally like to thank Mike for dedicating a song to me, as
it was my birthday last night (& he didn't know). Plus he wasn't to know
that "Can't Find My Way Home" is actually one of my favourite songs
of all time! We were treated to great repertoire of Eric Clapton songs from
Cream, Blind Faith, Derek & the Dominos etc right up to his solo work.
Fantastic stuff.

One of my friends was even talking about popping along to some of
After Midnight's other Scottish & North of England dates!

Craig Hodge (Penicuik What's On)

Classic Clapton on stage at Penicuik Town Hall

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CLASSIC CLAPTON

performed by After
Midnight

Georgian Theatre Royal, Richmond, N
Yorkshire- 19th February 2011

Andrew Sugden (YorkshireGigGuide)

After Midnight began their 25th Anniversary
tour in the fabulous, magnificent Georgian Theatre in Richmond with a full
house eagerly awaiting a night of Eric Clapton classics.

Begining with "Key to the Highway" they took
command of the stage and led us through Clapton with Yardbirds, Clapton with
Cream, Clapton with Derek and The Dominos and Clapton with John Mayall's
Bluesbreakers. Indeed, non-stop Clapton for a whole wonderful evening.

The intimacy of the theatre allowed both audience and
band to interact with the music - handclapping, cheering and singing along with
the group. Swept along with the well-known tunes the interval came all too
soon.

During the interval I managed to catch up with Asia
Pickup who won 2 tickets in our competition and brought her Grandma with her.
Mike Hall was more than happy to have a photograph taken with her and presented
her with one of their CDs as an extra treat.

The second half, which they called "Unplugged
Clapton" was rather more relaxed but just as exciting and entertaining as
their first session as testified by the enthusiastic cheering audience. A truly
great evening from a multi-tallented band consisting of:- Mike Hall: Lead
vocals and guitar, John Forster: Bass and backing vocals, Paul Warren:
Keyboards and backing vocals and newest member (of 4 weeks) Neil Cochrane:
Drums

The struggle through the fog to travel from Leeds to
Richmond which almost stopped us seeing this band was worth all the effort to
get there. It did not seem to matter that the same fog was with us on the way
home because we remembered the evening we had just so much enjoyed.

Just had a wonderful Friday evening
listening to you and the chaps from the comfort of my front room, had a few
friends round and we sung along to Promises and Pretending (one I haven't heard
for a while) among other EC greats, superbly done by you and the band.

It was great to have you chaps playing literally in
house. Just finished listening to my all time favourite "Estonian"
tune that I was once told was by the Cheeky Girls... It's been a great
performance and we have thoroughly enjoyed it, please keep up the good work.

Hope John got over all that Vodka drinking and you'll
never beat the Irish for singing along to well known tunes...

Please thank Paul, Vince and John again...

Until we meet again at a concert or the next Internet
broadcast, will definitely invest again thanks for the heads up...

P.S. Did join in with Tulsa Time too.

"Mike Hall IS Eric Clapton".

All the best

Ray Witham (West Sussex)

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CLASSIC CLAPTON

performed by After
Midnight

Queens Hall, Hexham - Friday 25th January
2008 (SOLD OUT)

A Classic double take of
Clapton

by Jamie Lewis (The Hexham
Courant)

Mike Hall and the guys have been doing this
for 22 years, something that he notes several times from onstage as if he
cant quite believe it himself.

The sets heavy with his earlier stuff, cherry
picking from his time in the Yardbirds, John Mayalls Bluesbreakers, Derek
and the Dominoes and his solo singles.

The theatre was packed to the gills for the
show and the age range of the audience was a testament to Claptons
enduring appeal amongst both sexes and all ages.

Vocally, Hall has Clapton nailed. Things
started to pick up on their version of All Your Love. The band finally took off
when sinking their teeth into Creams I Feel Free.

Mike Halls had it easy in comparison. He only has
to look, sing and play like Clapton. Vince Mason on drums had to muscle up to
Ginger Baker, Aynsley Dunbar and Hughie Flint. However, out of all
Claptons drummers, Masons tightly reined-in snare pops and carpet
bomb tom rolls brought to mind a well-medicated Jim Gordon.

Bassist John Forster had an equally tough line of shoes
to step in and out of. He jumped from Carl Radle to Ric Grech and made light
work of Jack Bruce.

To their credit, the band knocked out some tough numbers
with aplomb and even threw in some slightly more obscure Clapton classics for
the obsessive fans. That may sound like a contradiction to the casual reader,
but Clapton fans know what Im talking about.

By the end of the night, there were some fantastic
renditions and we were all singing along to Tulsa Time as one. Pedantic niggles
were forgotten, grins were plastered across our faces and everyone had
forgotten for a few wonderful moments that Mike wasnt actually Eric
Clapton. Thanks to After Midnight and their equally talented audience. For one
night only, it couldve been the Albert Hall on a Saturday.

Reviewed by Jamie Lewis (Hexham Courant)

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Wonderful Tonight... that's
CC

by Jon Wallis (The MAGAZINE, Haywards
Heath)

Not an empty seat in the house and the
anticipation growing with After Midnight in mind. The air guitar is perfectly
tuned so let it begin. The lights go down and Slow Hand begins his
magic.

Eric (aka Mike Hall) starts with a couple of classics
then comes the blues, and God you can feel the energy and emotion.

The first set was full of absolutely amazing
tracks from the Blues Breakers through to Cream, each pitched perfectly in its
own way.

The interlude beckons and it's time to
reflect on the pure brilliance I have seen. But there is still more to
come.

It is time for the acoustic set. What can I say but
"Wow!". Tears in Heaven is a moving track, and tonight it felt like I
was the only person in the room and they played it just for me.

Hold on, a change of pace and out comes the Fender Strat
again. Then it came like a bolt of lightening from the gods that riff from
Layla. After Midnight played it perfectly and kicked proverbial butt.

Every track was played to perfection. The evening was
enjoyed by all, and the After Midnight guys would be welcomed back any time
with open arms.

If you get the chance to see this brilliant band, take
it. I guarantee you will not be disappointed.

Reviewed by Jon Wallis (The MAGAZINE, Haywards
Heath)

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CLASSIC CLAPTON

performed by After
Midnight

Cheltenham Town Hall - Friday 14th January
2005 (SOLD OUT)

Reviewed by Ron King (BBC Radio
Gloucestershire)

When Ron King heard
about a Clapton tribute act coming to town, he was sceptical. Could they
possibly live up to the work of the guitar legend?

When I was told that Eric Clapton tribute act After
Midnight were coming to Cheltenham Town Hall, I wondered who could possibly do
that successfully? Read on.

The stage was set up, the band's instruments ready to go.
As expected, Fender Stratocaster guitars (so often seen in Eric's hands) were
present and correct.

After Midnight soon took to the stage,
opening with Crossroads. Guitar vocalist Mike Hall looking and singing like a
clone of Clapton. I wondered if he had borrowed Eric's voice for the
night.

Loving it

As the band warmed up they sounded more and more like
Clapton, comprehensively covering most of Eric's hits, obviously well rehearsed
and loving the music.

All age groups were represented in the audience. Two
young girls (who I later found to be sisters) called Emma and Melanie were all
but jumping from their seats, totally in awe.

We heard many instantly recognisable songs from the days
of John Mayall, Cream, Derick and the Dominoes, right up to the present day.

Cheers

It was clear that everyone enjoyed the night's
entertainment. At the end of the night the audience cheered at stamped their
feet, demanding an encore.

Mike Hall looked and sang just like Clapton, playing
great guitar. Although I have yet to hear anyone play quite the same as Eric,
tonight was certainly as close as could be expected.

As Fiona (my guest for the evening) commented, it really
was "wonderful tonight".

Reviewed by Ron King (BBC Radio
Gloucestershire)

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CLASSIC CLAPTON

performed by After
Midnight

Howden Park Centre, Livingston - July 29th
2005 (SOLD OUT)

Reviewed by Graeme Scott (Classic VRN1287
& Blues Matters Magazine)

Mike Hall and his fellow musicians filled this nice
medium sized hall in Livingston and played the sounds of classic Eric Clapton
to a very appreciative audience. For those of you who bemoan the arrival of
'tribute' acts I say, that if you are selective about which ones you go and
see, you can have a cracking good night out. Tonight we were taken through the
full range of Eric's career with Mike and the band paying homage to Eric and
doing so in great style.

The evening was split into three sections. Set one was
electric and opened with driving versions of Crossroads, Badge and Lay Down
Sally and Hoochie Coochie Man. By now nicely loosened up they continued through
Let It Rain, I Feel Free, For Your Love, Bad Love and a very accurate Bell
Bottom Blues. Steppin' Out a terrific Wonderful Tonight and White Room brought
this first half to a close.

Walking around at the break you could hear
the buzz and the positive vibes from the audience as they talked about the
band. This was going down well.

I have seen After Midnight before and knew
that after the break we were in for an acoustic section and tonight the guys
just played so enthusiastically and relaxed that you felt they could do no
wrong. The choice of songs in this set is very important as stripping things
back to basics exposes any weaknesses in interpretation. Before You Accuse Me,
Tears In Heaven, Nobody Knows You, Layla, Change The World and San Francisco
Bay Blues had just the right balance to satisfy everyone and it was clear the
band were pleased with the reaction.

The third and final set was back to electrics again with
I Shot The Sheriff, Hideaway, Willie & The Hand Jive, Cocaine, Further on
Up The Road, Sunshine Of Your Love and a storming full version of Layla
bringing the audience onto their feet demanding more. The band responded with
Motherless Children and the sing-along Tulsa (Livingston) Time.

Dean Crowe Theatre was host recently to the
music of Eric Clapton, as played by acclaimed tribute band "After
Midnight". A good crowd turned up on 11th November, and the band covered a
broad playlist of the guitar legend's back catalogue.

Mike Hall (an uncanny replica of Eric Clapton) was
impressive on lead guitar and vocals and, had you closed your eyes, you may be
forgiven for thinking that the great man himself was visiting Athlone.

Ex-Animals member Steve Hutchinson blew the crowd away
with solos that showed exactly how talented this band are. Bass guitarist John
Forster was the butt of many jokes but played to the audience, anticipating how
many Guinness he would manage after the show. There was a friendly banter
throughout the set, which really endeared this tribute band to those who came
to hear their favourite songs. I went with friends - all major Clapton fans -
and they too, were convinced. This is a good band. Afterwards, we all agreed
that the most notable songs of the evening were the trademark
"Cocaine" (which received a revival as a backing track for the
acclaimed "Fahrenheit 9/11"), the classic "Layla" (played
twice, but the second time nearly blew the roof off the theatre!) and
"White Room". There were also a smattering of songs which, on
glancing at the playlist, seem unfamiliar, but the second the intro begins,
realisation sets in. Although not a die-hard Clapton fan, I recognised - and
liked - over 90% of this set.

MEETING ERIC

The band formed in 1985, just after Eric Clapton's
appearance on Live Aid, and named themselves "After Midnight" - Eric
Clapton's first big hit in the States. Initially the band did covers of lots of
different artistes, but eventually settled on emulating their idol. "I've
always been a big fan", lead singer and guitarist Mike Hall told the
Athlone Topic.

"I saw Cream play live in 1966 at Newcastle Club a
Go Go and I was sold. I've been in and out of bands all of my life, but once I
started playing Eric Clapton's music, it all just took off from there - it's
our 20th anniversary next year! We've had loads of great reports and
established Eric Clapton special nights - long before tribute bands were ever
heard of."

Mike explained that while they began playing in local
pubs and clubs, it wasn't long before they began playing much larger venues.
"We first came to Ireland in 2001, and this is our second visit; we'll be
playing eight gigs in eleven days this time around."

The band are all full-time musicians and say the music
comes first. Playing at venues all over the world, the band have seen Eric
Clapton fans in all shapes and sizes. Tyne Tees Television were so impressed,
they made a programme about them, called "Cover Their Tracks". They
filmed the band's concert at a Newcastle Theatre, in front of 600 ecstatic
fans.

It was broadcast in August 2000 and received rave
reviews, leading to national recognition for the band. It was after this that
After Midnight decided to call their shows "Classic Clapton performed by
After Midnight".

"I've met the man himself twice. Once was backstage
at the Birmingham NEC, when my friends dared me to knock on the stage door. The
security guard answered and said 'Come in Mr Clapton' ". Mike did indeed
venture in but the guitar great was more amused than annoyed, and now even owns
a copy of After Midnight's tribute CD!

Mike has often been confused for his idol by music lovers
and has become accustomed for being mistaken for the rock legend. "My
friend Alan Clark joined Eric Clapton's band, so I got to meet him again
through that. Alan also told Eric what we were doing, and Slowhand went as far
as to write me a message of encouragement (written on a Concorde menu!) He's a
really nice guy." Eric Clapton has been a major international star since
the mid 1960's, when he revolutionised electric guitar playing, with his
virtuoso performances in John Mayall's Bluesbreakers.

He is the only triple inductee into The Rock & Roll
Hall of Fame (as a member of both The Yardbirds and Cream and also as a solo
artist).

The band are all set for an appearance on TV3's Ireland
AM where Mike will play an acoustic song and chat to the hosts about his
upcoming dates around the rest of the country.

Christina Kelly, Athlone Topic

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CLASSIC CLAPTON

performed by After
Midnight

In Concert at The Live Theatre, Newcastle
upon Tyne Monday 3rd July, 2000 (sold out)

The best of Clapton was played that night.
Mike came on with a typically laid back rendition of Crossroads. From Clapton's
Cream days there was White Room, Sunshine Of Your Love and my own favourite
Badge. All Your Love and Steppin' Out were from his time with John Mayall and
Little Wing from his Derek and the Dominoes period. Clapton solo efforts
included She's Waiting, Bell Bottom Blues, I Shot The Sheriff, Bad Love,
Knockin' On Heaven's Door, Cocaine, Lay Down Sally and of course After
Midnight.

After the interval, Mike and the band came on for an
acoustic set that included Nobody Knows You When You're Down And Out, Tears In
Heaven and the acoustic version of Layla. Then it was back to good old rock.
They finished with the classic rock version of Layla, and returned for the
encore with Motherless Children and Tulsa Time. Now there's a nice cross
section of music.

Mike gave one of his most relaxed and expressive
performances. All too often the venue itself makes a gig. Mike clearly loved
this venue and responded by giving his fans exactly what they wanted. His
singing and guitar work was exceptional.

Okay, people will read this and wonder why I'm writing a
glowing review on a tribute band, one of many playing gigs today. But before
you dismiss them as yet another bunch of wannabies, you should sit and listen
to their gigs. These guys are quality musicians playing quality music. Mike
does not attempt to emulate Clapton. He's his own man and he puts his own
unique stamp on the music he plays. I think Clapton is the greatest guitarist
in the world, but because he's had such a varied career, he's played a lot of
stuff I don't care for. It's to Mike's credit that he makes everything
accessible.

As I said before, there's a possible bandwagon coming.
The band will be playing more gigs outside the
north-east. They've already had one major appearance on TV.

''Having established themselves as one of
the north east's longest running bands, it seems appropriate that they chose to
kick off their national tour, After Midnight at a north east venue. I checked
them out at Whitley Bay Playhouse, in early February.

The first thing I noticed when the lights came up was
the uncanny similarity of lead singer Mike Hall, to the real Clapton. And, in
tribute to the tribute band, the standard of their performance was truly
professional. The Clapton copycats belted out classics including Crossroads,
Badge, All Your Love and Wonderful Tonight.

The dynamics between the band were excellent. Mike
Hall is a true artist with a passion for music. He is not only a great singer,
but is also a competent guitarist. He interacted well with his band and the
audience.

After the interval and a quick costume change, Mike
and the band performed their ''unplugged'' section. The acoustic set included
Before You Accuse Me, Tears in Heaven, Nobody Knows You When You're Down &
Out and Layla (unplugged). This was my favourite section of the gig.

But no time for feeling too mellow, the band swiftly
got on their feet to sing a powerful rendition of Cocaine. And it was not just
the band that got to their feet.

'The Verdict'
When I settled in my seat at the Whitley Bay Playhouse, I was unsure as to what
the next few hours might bring. Almost two hours and twenty odd songs later, I
felt satisfied, I had dispelled some of the rumours about tribute bands. The
members of this band are professional, quality musicians and well worth a
listen.

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The Prince of Wales Centre,
Cannock Saturday 3 March, 2001

Nowadays, many tribute bands
manage to look or sound like the original, but can't always do both. What makes
Mike Hall special is he looks, sounds AND plays like Clapton. And as one of the
punters remarked as he left the theatre - we'll soon need tribute bands to
tribute bands.

Mike Hall and his band After Midnight
meandered through decades of classics, and slipped in an acoustic section. The
Cream section, which included I Feel Free, White Room, and Sunshine of Your
Love, was an absolute treat. An almost capacity audience, with a wide-ranging
age span enjoyed renditions of Layla, Cocaine, Wonderful Tonight, Lay Down
Sally and Tears in Heaven.

What also made the night particularly
enjoyable was being able to enjoy a band playing a tribute to someone who's
still alive. For once, the audience can leave the theatre after a good night
out, which doesn't have to be tinged in sadness.

Quite a few times Mike Hall referred to a
Clapton Concert which took place at Birmingham's NEC less than a month ago. And
several in the audience had attended that concert. They didn't expect the
Prince of Wales, Cannock to recreate that awesome spectacle. But thanks to some
excellent musicianship, quality sound by AMCO, and lighting which reflected the
mood of the songs, few can have gone home disappointed.

This was the first Classic Clapton
concert to take place at the Prince of Wales. The audience and Mike Hall would
like a replay next year.

Janet Lee, Chase Post, Thursday 8th
March 2001

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CLASSIC CLAPTON
unplugged!

performed by After
Midnight

In Concert at The Live Theatre, Newcastle
upon Tyne Friday 21 February, 2003 (sold out)

This was my first ever visit to the Live Theatre,
and I must say I was very impressed. It is a rather intimate affair that
provides the perfect backdrop for an evening of top-notch acoustic music.
Sitting down near the bar, I made myself comfortable in anticipation of the
show..

After Midnight take the stage. This was the second time
I had seen them live, the first being back in November when they had done an
excellent 'plugged' set at the Customs House in South Shields. During that gig,
they had set aside time to perform a few acoustic numbers, and it was on that
premise which found me here tonight, to witness a whole evening of Classic
Clapton Unplugged.

The show kicked off with the same song that Eric
kicked off his Unplugged album with, the Journeyman classic 'Before You Accuse
Me'. Straight away you know where the band are coming from. Mike Hall looks
uncannily like the man himself, with his greying beard and black-rimmed glasses
and he is complemented by a very tight band in which Ray Snowdon on keyboards
excels.

The band immediately found a groove that the audience
appreciated. This was not a gig that started quietly and built up, but rather
set the standard with the first track and maintained it for the remainder of
the evening.

A few of the songs were from Clapton's Unplugged
album, but rather than duplicate the old master himself, the band added new
songs to the set that Eric had not even performed unplugged before. Tracks like
Bell Bottom Blues, Promises, Ramblin' On My Mind and Let It Grow were all given
an airing and it was great to hear these numbers stripped down and given the
acoustic workout.

The highlight of the evening for me was possibly Old
Love, another song from the acclaimed Journeyman album. Here it was Mike's
vocals that stood out, accompanied by some sumptuous keyboard playing from Ray
Snowdon that sent shivers down your spine.

Mike also excelled on his solo spot during While My
Guitar Gently Weeps. It's a difficult song to play at the best of times, and
totally unsupported by his band (who were taking a 5 minute break), Mike
handled guitar and vocal duties to an incredibly high standard, while the crowd
watched in awe.

The funky groove of Change the World was another
notable inclusion that really got the crowd going, while Tears In Heaven was
the predictable show-stopper that everyone was looking forward to.

The concert closed with Layla, that went a step
further than Clapton's unplugged version, by including the famous piano outro.
The trading of notes between Mike and Ray was exceptional and a fantastic way
to end the set. The crowd's appreciation demanded an encore and we got it in
the shape of Wonderful Tonight, with it's emotive guitar playing, and lastly, a
Tulsa Time sing-a-long.

On reflection, it was a magical evening, full of
wonderful tunes that are increasingly hard to see live these days. To any fans
of Eric Clapton, or any aficionados of classic rock and blues, Classic Clapton
are an essential band to check out on the live circuit. As far as tribute bands
go, there are not many who do it better. Eric Clapton would be proud.